Kyle Larson has publicly expressed mixed feelings following the announcement that Rico Abreu will replace Donny Schatz at Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) for the 2026 Kubota High Limit Racing sprint car series. The Kyle Larson High Limit Racing partnership, which Larson co-founded with Brad Sweet, faces significant changes as longtime competitors and organizations join forces under the series banner.
Larson’s Mixed Emotions On Team Merger
As co-founder and co-owner of the series, Kyle Larson has a unique perspective on the developments impacting High Limit Racing. Alongside his brother-in-law Brad Sweet, a six-time sprint car champion, Larson has worked to grow the series since acquiring it from Tony Stewart late in 2023. The latest team changes brought both optimism and concern to the forefront.
“I think it’s great for High Limit to have TSR (Tony Stewart Racing) merge with Rico and be with us,”
Larson told FOX Sports’ Bob Pockrass. Despite the positive outlook for the series, Larson acknowledged a downside to the deal, stating,
“But at the same point, you’re losing a team in the whole ecosystem, so that part is unfortunate,”
during a press briefing at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
Larson reflected further on the situation, noting the challenges and underlying reasons for the partnership.
“But I think Tony has so much on his plate now that it makes things a lot easier to team up with Rico and still be involved in sprint car racing. They’re great friends too, so I wasn’t surprised when I heard it,”
Larson added.
Background Leading to the New Partnership
After selling the All-Star Circuit of Champions to Larson and Sweet, Stewart’s intention was to strengthen High Limit Racing. The series was paused in 2024, only to reemerge this season with renewed energy and leadership. However, the agreement between TSR and Abreu’s family-operated team seemed sudden and somewhat against previously discussed timelines. Reports suggest TSR had agreed not to join High Limit for two years following the sale, with the restriction set to expire before the 2026 season. The accelerated alliance announcement appears to have caught the leadership by surprise.
The relationship dynamics are further complicated by a storied rivalry, with Larson and Abreu both competing fiercely at the top of the sprint car world. The merger positions Abreu as a formidable presence supported by the substantial resources of Tony Stewart Racing, a move that may shift the competitive landscape in the coming seasons.
Abreu and Stewart: Looking Towards a Stronger Future
Rico Abreu shared his perspective on joining forces with Stewart and entering a new chapter in his sprint car career.
“We’re real excited to bring TSR to High Limit,”
said the 31-year-old driver. He further emphasized the benefits of the new affiliation, stating,
“I think that’s really incredible for the sport to have an organization and for me to be associated with an organization with that championship mold and incredible infrastructure, we’re going to be able to bring this amazing sprint car team that’s associated with mine some love. It’s going to be incredible opportunity for everybody.”
– Rico Abreu, Driver.
Abreu currently stands atop the High Limit Racing points leaderboard, supported by crew chief Ricky Warner. Warner, a National Sprint Car Hall of Famer, collaborated with Donny Schatz between 2005 and 2018, amassing over 260 wins and 10 series championships. Since joining Abreu in 2022, Warner has guided him to 44 feature wins. The addition of Warner to TSR, alongside Abreu, is anticipated to strengthen their competitive edge as both transition to the new structure.
Abreu looked ahead to his new role with enthusiasm, explaining to FloRacing.com,
“I see it as tying myself to a top-tier establishment.”
He continued,
“If you really break it all down, resource-wise, when it comes to data and dissecting Sprint Cars on the mechanical side and infrastructure internally, like, I can’t provide my team with what (Stewart) has built over 25 years.”
– Rico Abreu, Driver.
Minimal Changes, Major Impact
The logistical changes for Abreu and his crew are expected to be minimal. His race shop in Brownsburg, Indiana, is located just two miles from TSR’s facility, allowing for a smooth transition in preparation and operations. Once Abreu officially takes the wheel of the No. 24 car for Tony Stewart Racing in 2026, he will also maintain day-to-day oversight of the team, utilizing his experience leading his own organization.
Should Abreu maintain his current points lead and finish the High Limit Racing schedule on top, his move to TSR positions him to re-enter the series with amplified capability and resources the following season. The partnership has the potential to further elevate both Abreu’s career and the reputation of Kubota High Limit Racing as it continues to attract high-profile participants and teams.
With Tony Stewart, Brad Sweet, and Kyle Larson all playing pivotal roles, the High Limit Racing series heads into its next phase marked by greater competitiveness, significant organizational shifts, and heightened anticipation for future championships.
Kyle Larson on Rico Abreu and Tony Stewart Racing merging their sprint-car programs next year with Abreu competing in High Limits with TSR. pic.twitter.com/ZbxAfBI9vy
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) September 20, 2025
